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The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to Stephen King's vast universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to It, the series showcases a direct connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic King story which merits a revisit.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend his remaining years in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover about the awful conditions at the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the most we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by those in officials in power due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's involvement via an early trailer for the series, in which a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is likely destined for the prison.

Though we know he did not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what they do to child murderers at that prison?"

The Implications for Hank and His Daughter

Considering that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are occurring around Derry which no one, child or adult, comprehends and she just has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel to freedom.

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It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.